ESSBO is located in what has been described as the most European of Algeria’s cities: its main naval port, second only in size to Algiers.
Founded in 2017, ESSBO is based in an academic district, next door to the Ecole Superieure en Genie Electrique et Energetique, and close to Oran’s Ecole Polytechnique and one other Ecole Superieure.
It aims to be "a pole of reference in higher education, scientific research and technical development in the field of advanced biological science applied to the economic sector". Its aim is to provide "mastery of theoretical and practical bases of the specialities that are taught during theoretical courses and practical workshops, but also during internships".
Students follow the classic pattern of an Algerian master’s degree. The first two years focus on molecular biology. The third year involves studying a common core, and then the last two years are spent studying specialities, including bio-engineering, azymatic engineering, orthopaedic biomechanics, or a recently introduced immunotechnology option. Entry is highly competitive, with an average Baccalaureate score of 14.86 for entry in 2021.
Students are also encouraged to join the Creative Minds science club, where activities include “fun science”: finding entertaining ways of illustrating biological techniques and processes.
The ESSBO Incubator, set up in 2022, already accommodates 15 end-of-study start-up projects. Nineteen patents, including two in association with Oran’s University of Continuing Education, have been filed with the national agency, INAPI. In 2018, ESSBO assisted in the creation of the University of Oran’s Institute of Technology.
